How far is Roanoke, VA from Lexington, VA?
The driving distance from Roanoke, VA to Lexington, VA is about 55 miles (88.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.7 miles (72 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 14m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 07m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Virginia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Roanoke and Lexington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke and Lexington.
-
1
Start on the route
87 m · 26 sec
-
2
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
602 ft · 34 sec · 1st Street Southwest
-
3
Turn sharp left onto Franklin Road Southwest
1304 ft · 27 sec · Franklin Road Southwest
-
4
Turn left onto Williamson Road Southeast
990 ft · 36 sec · Williamson Road Southeast
-
5
Continue on Williamson Road Northeast
1625 ft · 49 sec · Williamson Road Northeast
-
6
Take the ramp slight right toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Bristol
878 ft · 36 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
5.6 mi · 8 min
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
13.1 mi · 15 min
-
9
Continue straight
32 mi · 34 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 60 West: Lexington
1650 ft · 56 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto East Midland Trail
2.3 mi · 4 min · East Midland Trail
-
12
Continue on East Nelson Street
3067 ft · 2 min · East Nelson Street
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Nelson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Roanoke and Lexington.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 81 North
Continue straight
32 mi · 00h 34m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Clear leaving Roanoke and Mostly Clear near Lexington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Roanoke to Lexington?
The road trip is about 55 miles (88.5 km) and usually takes 01h 07m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Buchanan is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.5 miles from Roanoke and 27.5 miles from Lexington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.7 miles (72 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:16 PM EST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.55 one way or $15.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around Roanoke and Mostly Clear near Lexington.
Stop Ideas Near Buchanan
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Buchanan.
Clifton Forge
Roanoke
Kemper Street station
White Sulphur Springs
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Roanoke and Lexington. Straight-line distance: 44.76 mi (72.03 km).
#1 Roanoke
The most populous city in Roanoke County, Virginia.
| Population | 99,058 |
| Coordinates | 37.2709700, -79.9414300 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lexington
Lexington is a place in Virginia, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 37.7840200, -79.4428200 |
| Altitude | 324 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lexington (-79.44282, 37.78402)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 88 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $7.55 | $15.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.39 | $8.52 | $17.05 |
| Premium | $4.80 | $9.31 | $18.61 |
| Diesel | $6.18 | $11.99 | $23.97 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Virginia · Nov 07, 2026